Snakes

New Mexico is home to over 47 species and sub-species of non-poisonous snakes and 8 different types of rattlesnakes. They inhabit every type of habitat and you are likely to encounter snakes on hiking trails, in parking lots, and your own back yard. Snakes are important members to the ecosystem as they eat rats, mice, gophers and other pests. Most snakes found here are harmless to humans and all are essential to a healthy environment and should be left alone. Do not attempt to handle rattlesnakes. If you need a snake removed from your yard, please call New Mexico Wildlife Center at 505-753-9505.

Baby snake
Leave it alone. Snakes can care for themselves from birth.

Snake caught in bird netting
Do not attempt to remove the netting yourself-you will likely injure the snake's skin. If it is not a rattlesnake, cut the netting about a foot from the snake and bring the entire mass to New Mexico Wildlife Center. If it is a rattlesnake caught in netting, call New Mexico Wildlife Center at 505-753-9505 and we will send a volunteer to rescue the snake.

Injured snake
Place in secure container and bring to New Mexico Wildlife Center as quickly as possible.

Snake caught on sticky trap
Do not attempt to remove the snake from the trap. Bring the snake still stuck to the trap to New Mexico Wildlife Center as quickly as possible.

If you are bitten by a rattlesnake, have someone take you to the nearest hospital immediately.